Uploads from satospherehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/
Fri, 23 Jan 2015 23:28:07 -0800Fri, 23 Jan 2015 23:28:07 -0800http://www.flickr.com/http://farm1.staticflickr.com/22/buddyicons/62941576@N00.jpg?1341536922#62941576@N00Uploads from satospherehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/
In the midst of winterhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16352036442/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16352036442/" title="In the midst of winter"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/16352036442_1e83a1b87b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="In the midst of winter" /></a></p>
<p>Its winter in Yosemite once again, but unlike a winter where Yosemite valley is replete of snow and ice and everything nice, the valley now is devoid of any good snow cover, leaving the meadows barren and the trees a skeleton of their former selves. <br />
<br />
In a good year, the valley looks like a winter wonderland - a carpet of white stretching from one tall granite wall to another, hiding away the footprints and traces of the previous year and providing a whole new backdrop for nature lovers. Such is my fascination with a white Yosemite that I have never missed a winter trip and have always been rewarded with good conditions.<br />
<br />
However, this year, the dry weather in the lower elevations have left both the nature in Yosemite valley and the photographer in me parched for some snow. While the solitude that the season brings with it is still there, it seems as though this special place has been deprived of a unique magical element.<br />
<br />
Yet, even in such conditions, there are times where I manage to sneak in a good image. I was waiting for the clouds to light up near Yosemite Village (around the time I ran into Joe Azure and Sankar Salvady) and during a particularly still moment, the entire scene came together: dramatic fog hanging over the granite monoliths, the dark pine trees rising up from behind the barren white trunks of the aspens lining up on the shore and a calm shoreline that provide a clear reflection. It was a beautiful place for a quite moment of contemplation that day.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>Fri, 23 Jan 2015 23:28:07 -08002013-02-23T17:23:50-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/16352036442In the midst of winter<p>Its winter in Yosemite once again, but unlike a winter where Yosemite valley is replete of snow and ice and everything nice, the valley now is devoid of any good snow cover, leaving the meadows barren and the trees a skeleton of their former selves. <br />
<br />
In a good year, the valley looks like a winter wonderland - a carpet of white stretching from one tall granite wall to another, hiding away the footprints and traces of the previous year and providing a whole new backdrop for nature lovers. Such is my fascination with a white Yosemite that I have never missed a winter trip and have always been rewarded with good conditions.<br />
<br />
However, this year, the dry weather in the lower elevations have left both the nature in Yosemite valley and the photographer in me parched for some snow. While the solitude that the season brings with it is still there, it seems as though this special place has been deprived of a unique magical element.<br />
<br />
Yet, even in such conditions, there are times where I manage to sneak in a good image. I was waiting for the clouds to light up near Yosemite Village (around the time I ran into Joe Azure and Sankar Salvady) and during a particularly still moment, the entire scene came together: dramatic fog hanging over the granite monoliths, the dark pine trees rising up from behind the barren white trunks of the aspens lining up on the shore and a calm shoreline that provide a clear reflection. It was a beautiful place for a quite moment of contemplation that day.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia blackandwhite yosemite halfdome yosemitenationalpark nationalparks hdr yosemitevalley mercedriver sony2470mmf28cz sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enEvening Solacehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16152781579/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16152781579/" title="Evening Solace"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7515/16152781579_0868a223b0_m.jpg" width="240" height="148" alt="Evening Solace" /></a></p>
<p>Seeing the winter rains in the Bay Area that were so promising last month, fizzle out to nothingness this month was sorely disappointing. Even the vegetation all around in the Bay Area, which had been parched for the last 3 years, were eagerly expecting more water. So much so that when the first rains hit the Bay Area in December, all of them put out a lush green welcome mat for the rain. But none was to be seen this month.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, the green carpet also provided a welcome respite from the golden yellow that I so used to seeing. Hence, when I got the opportunity last weekend to stretch my legs, I headed out to Sunol wilderness to hike in solace in the East Bay Hills. And what a hike it was: rolling hills with green grass, fog-covered peaks, beautiful yellow lighting and the cacophony of mooing cows all combined to form a evening.<br />
<br />
Just around sunset, I rounded a corner in the trail and came across a small rise in the trail, where a couple of dead tree branches looked out longingly towards the setting sun. Positioning a grad-ND filter to control the tonal range, I captured the scene.<br />
<br />
Sunol Regional Wilderness<br />
CA USA</p>Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:30:36 -08002015-01-17T17:07:43-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/16152781579Evening Solace<p>Seeing the winter rains in the Bay Area that were so promising last month, fizzle out to nothingness this month was sorely disappointing. Even the vegetation all around in the Bay Area, which had been parched for the last 3 years, were eagerly expecting more water. So much so that when the first rains hit the Bay Area in December, all of them put out a lush green welcome mat for the rain. But none was to be seen this month.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, the green carpet also provided a welcome respite from the golden yellow that I so used to seeing. Hence, when I got the opportunity last weekend to stretch my legs, I headed out to Sunol wilderness to hike in solace in the East Bay Hills. And what a hike it was: rolling hills with green grass, fog-covered peaks, beautiful yellow lighting and the cacophony of mooing cows all combined to form a evening.<br />
<br />
Just around sunset, I rounded a corner in the trail and came across a small rise in the trail, where a couple of dead tree branches looked out longingly towards the setting sun. Positioning a grad-ND filter to control the tonal range, I captured the scene.<br />
<br />
Sunol Regional Wilderness<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca usa hiking bayarea sunol sunolregionalwilderness eastbayparks maguirepeaksloop sony2470mmf28cz sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enOne more sunsethttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16114319450/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16114319450/" title="One more sunset"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7498/16114319450_2a1493f7f5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="One more sunset" /></a></p>
<p>Sunsets in the late spring are not particularly noteworthy in the Bay Area of California. The dew point drops low enough that the valley gets enveloped in a layer of fog. So it was inevitable when I went that evening up the slopes of Mission peak that sunset would be a lackluster affair.<br />
<br />
However, I was in for a surprise. The layer of fog opened up just enough that the evening light started lighting up the valley and reflecting in the salt flats of the Bay. This combined with the lush green grass at Mission peak made for a very memorable landscape scene in the middle of a busy urban area.<br />
<br />
Combining multiple exposures to get the tonality just right, I composed this scene to highlight the colorful lichen on an old rock lying along a trail.<br />
<br />
Mission Peak Regional Preserve<br />
CA USA</p>Sat, 17 Jan 2015 09:19:40 -08002013-03-27T18:05:32-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/16114319450One more sunset<p>Sunsets in the late spring are not particularly noteworthy in the Bay Area of California. The dew point drops low enough that the valley gets enveloped in a layer of fog. So it was inevitable when I went that evening up the slopes of Mission peak that sunset would be a lackluster affair.<br />
<br />
However, I was in for a surprise. The layer of fog opened up just enough that the evening light started lighting up the valley and reflecting in the salt flats of the Bay. This combined with the lush green grass at Mission peak made for a very memorable landscape scene in the middle of a busy urban area.<br />
<br />
Combining multiple exposures to get the tonality just right, I composed this scene to highlight the colorful lichen on an old rock lying along a trail.<br />
<br />
Mission Peak Regional Preserve<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia sunset spring bayarea eastbayparks missionpeakregionalpreserve sony1635mmf28 sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enA barn at the seahttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16098070559/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16098070559/" title="A barn at the sea"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7537/16098070559_f37991fb7c_m.jpg" width="240" height="159" alt="A barn at the sea" /></a></p>
<p>The weather stations had called for a 100% chance of rain along the coast for the entire weekend. And so, on the long drive out to the coast, not a moment passed without a critique about the adverse conditions and about how it was a wasted weekend. But thankfully, the weather gods redeemed themselves.<br />
<br />
But I didn't know that. Not until I actually checked in to the hotel and settled down a bit. It was only then that the storms cleared out. And it was not a moment too soon - it was just an hour to sunset. <br />
<br />
And off I dashed - capturing the warm evening glow of the rocks and cliffs, the waves that crashed those cliffs, the blue waters churning at the rocks, the glistening green grass still moist from the rain and the seemingly fresh aura all around.<br />
<br />
I wish time flies more slowly when photographing, but the sun doesn't wait for anyone and before I knew it, it was already making its way down the horizon to meet Earth's next day. As I made my way along the coast, I came across a rustic old barn, its wooden sheets weathered from decades of braving the rough coast. The sloping lines of the barn, the rickety picket fence, the green glow on the grass and the wonderful sunbeams from behind the sun all made for a memorable scene.<br />
<br />
Sea Ranch Inn<br />
CA USA</p>Wed, 14 Jan 2015 22:29:45 -08002014-11-29T16:13:03-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/16098070559A barn at the sea<p>The weather stations had called for a 100% chance of rain along the coast for the entire weekend. And so, on the long drive out to the coast, not a moment passed without a critique about the adverse conditions and about how it was a wasted weekend. But thankfully, the weather gods redeemed themselves.<br />
<br />
But I didn't know that. Not until I actually checked in to the hotel and settled down a bit. It was only then that the storms cleared out. And it was not a moment too soon - it was just an hour to sunset. <br />
<br />
And off I dashed - capturing the warm evening glow of the rocks and cliffs, the waves that crashed those cliffs, the blue waters churning at the rocks, the glistening green grass still moist from the rain and the seemingly fresh aura all around.<br />
<br />
I wish time flies more slowly when photographing, but the sun doesn't wait for anyone and before I knew it, it was already making its way down the horizon to meet Earth's next day. As I made my way along the coast, I came across a rustic old barn, its wooden sheets weathered from decades of braving the rough coast. The sloping lines of the barn, the rickety picket fence, the green glow on the grass and the wonderful sunbeams from behind the sun all made for a memorable scene.<br />
<br />
Sea Ranch Inn<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca sunset usa pacificocean searanch hdr pacificcoast crepuscularrays sony1635mmf28 sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enTriptych of Icehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16235050512/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16235050512/" title="Triptych of Ice"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7581/16235050512_cb06d7edc6_m.jpg" width="240" height="71" alt="Triptych of Ice" /></a></p>
<p>The cold wave that has swept one half of this country has been plunging the temperatures to below the daytime averages on Mars. While it has sent many people to the comfort of the warm indoors, it has harkened me to a time that I spent wandering out on a frosty morning in Yosemite Valley. <br />
<br />
Sauntering along the shores of a still Merced river, I came across a thin layer of ice on top of one of the small ponds. And within that, I came across delicate patterns in the ice itself - a record of how the different layers of ice crystallized. These amorphous wavy lines seemed almost alien in nature in their patterns and angles.<br />
<br />
Here is one triptych capturing 3 such different layers of ice I found while wandering around on the shores of Merced River<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>Thu, 08 Jan 2015 22:15:55 -08002015-01-08T20:21:58-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/16235050512Triptych of Ice<p>The cold wave that has swept one half of this country has been plunging the temperatures to below the daytime averages on Mars. While it has sent many people to the comfort of the warm indoors, it has harkened me to a time that I spent wandering out on a frosty morning in Yosemite Valley. <br />
<br />
Sauntering along the shores of a still Merced river, I came across a thin layer of ice on top of one of the small ponds. And within that, I came across delicate patterns in the ice itself - a record of how the different layers of ice crystallized. These amorphous wavy lines seemed almost alien in nature in their patterns and angles.<br />
<br />
Here is one triptych capturing 3 such different layers of ice I found while wandering around on the shores of Merced River<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>satosphereblackandwhite triptych yosemite yosemitenationalpark sierranevada yosemitevalley mercedriver tamron1750mmf28 minolta100mmf28 sonydslra700https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enWhite Sands National Monumenthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16032898030/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16032898030/" title="White Sands National Monument"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8570/16032898030_03756f22a5_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="White Sands National Monument" /></a></p>
<p>White Sands National Monument</p>Tue, 06 Jan 2015 22:45:34 -08002012-02-20T06:52:30-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/16032898030White Sands National Monument<p>White Sands National Monument</p>satospherenewmexico sunrise dawn whitesands backpacking deserts hdr sanddunes nationalmonuments whitesandsnationalmonument sigma1020mmf456 sonydslra700https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enBlue and White Skieshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16200596841/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16200596841/" title="Blue and White Skies"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/16200596841_a96021d7e5_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Blue and White Skies" /></a></p>
<p>It is that time of the year when I await the spring: the rolling green hills, the california oaks getting ready to sprout new leaves and wispy clouds lightening up the deep blue sky. During one such spring hike a couple of years ago, I came across a lonely quartet of trees marching up the slope of a gentle hill. It still hadn't sprung its leaves, making the clumps of mistletoe quite visible.<br />
<br />
I long to get back to this paradise again. Hopefully quite soon!<br />
<br />
Ohlone Regional Wilderness<br />
CA USA</p>Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:58:34 -08002013-03-02T12:10:32-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/16200596841Blue and White Skies<p>It is that time of the year when I await the spring: the rolling green hills, the california oaks getting ready to sprout new leaves and wispy clouds lightening up the deep blue sky. During one such spring hike a couple of years ago, I came across a lonely quartet of trees marching up the slope of a gentle hill. It still hadn't sprung its leaves, making the clumps of mistletoe quite visible.<br />
<br />
I long to get back to this paradise again. Hopefully quite soon!<br />
<br />
Ohlone Regional Wilderness<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca usa hiking sunol rosepeak sunolregionalwilderness ohloneregionalwilderness eastbayparks tamron1750mmf28 sonydslra700https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enAnother New Yearhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15976017817/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15976017817/" title="Another New Year"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7507/15976017817_f6ddf86d98_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Another New Year" /></a></p>
<p>Today marks the day the Earth has completed exactly 99.931% of its orbit around the sun compared to the last time Earth's inhabitants celebrated its New Year (Now you know where we get the extra leap day from!). <br />
<br />
As I reminisce over everything that I have done this year, it just feels a bit rushed - as though I just welcomed the year 2014 and before I could say &quot;Huzzah&quot;, the year has flashed by in a rush. From my trip to Alaska early in the winter of 2014 to spending New Years Eve in the sunny Yucatan Peninsula, there have been many things that kept me occupied through the year.<br />
<br />
Here is to hoping that the next year 2015 is as adventure packed and full of new things to do, not just for me, but for all of you. Here is an image representing what I feel the New Year represents for me. Taken in the smoke of a morning campfire of a 5-day backpacking trip through the heart of Kings Canyon National Park.<br />
Happy New Year everybody<br />
<br />
And thanks to your kind contribution, I have raised about $500 to donate to Yosemite Conservancy and WildAid. And you can still buy the calendar here: <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/sathish-jothikumar/2015-calendar/calendar/product-21918703.html" rel="nofollow">www.lulu.com/shop/sathish-jothikumar/2015-calendar/calend...</a><br />
<br />
Kings Canyon National Park<br />
CA USA</p>Wed, 31 Dec 2014 21:11:51 -08002012-08-23T08:06:12-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15976017817Another New Year<p>Today marks the day the Earth has completed exactly 99.931% of its orbit around the sun compared to the last time Earth's inhabitants celebrated its New Year (Now you know where we get the extra leap day from!). <br />
<br />
As I reminisce over everything that I have done this year, it just feels a bit rushed - as though I just welcomed the year 2014 and before I could say &quot;Huzzah&quot;, the year has flashed by in a rush. From my trip to Alaska early in the winter of 2014 to spending New Years Eve in the sunny Yucatan Peninsula, there have been many things that kept me occupied through the year.<br />
<br />
Here is to hoping that the next year 2015 is as adventure packed and full of new things to do, not just for me, but for all of you. Here is an image representing what I feel the New Year represents for me. Taken in the smoke of a morning campfire of a 5-day backpacking trip through the heart of Kings Canyon National Park.<br />
Happy New Year everybody<br />
<br />
And thanks to your kind contribution, I have raised about $500 to donate to Yosemite Conservancy and WildAid. And you can still buy the calendar here: <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/sathish-jothikumar/2015-calendar/calendar/product-21918703.html" rel="nofollow">www.lulu.com/shop/sathish-jothikumar/2015-calendar/calend...</a><br />
<br />
Kings Canyon National Park<br />
CA USA</p>satosphereca usa mountains sunrise campfire backpacking sunburst sierranevada nationalparks paradisevalley kingscanyonnationalpark kingscanyonandsequoia raelakes tamron1750mmf28 kingscanyonandsequoianationalpark sonydslra700https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enSpirit of the Holidayshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15909801308/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15909801308/" title="Spirit of the Holidays"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8663/15909801308_a9ab8695aa_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Spirit of the Holidays" /></a></p>
<p>Whether it is visiting family, friends or loved ones, or exploring new places in the sunnier hemisphere, or heading out to winter wonderlands to catch the best powder, the winter holidays means different things for different people. And almost every winter, I have managed to do something special.<br />
<br />
There were some winters which I spent doing the traditional things and there were other winters that I spent in the company of giants: giant rocks, giant trees and giant scenery, namely Yosemite National Park. But after parting them, I check out the little things in Yosemite, like the holiday decorations in the majestic Ahwahnee hotel.<br />
<br />
Here is my take on those decorations.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>Wed, 24 Dec 2014 12:20:33 -08002012-12-25T15:43:26-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15909801308Spirit of the Holidays<p>Whether it is visiting family, friends or loved ones, or exploring new places in the sunnier hemisphere, or heading out to winter wonderlands to catch the best powder, the winter holidays means different things for different people. And almost every winter, I have managed to do something special.<br />
<br />
There were some winters which I spent doing the traditional things and there were other winters that I spent in the company of giants: giant rocks, giant trees and giant scenery, namely Yosemite National Park. But after parting them, I check out the little things in Yosemite, like the holiday decorations in the majestic Ahwahnee hotel.<br />
<br />
Here is my take on those decorations.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca winter usa yosemite yosemitenationalpark sierranevada nationalparks hdr yosemitevalley ahwanee sony2470mmf28cz sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enSolitude at Merced Riverhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15890227908/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15890227908/" title="Solitude at Merced River"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/15890227908_744b697f80_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Solitude at Merced River" /></a></p>
<p>One of the pleasures of exploring Yosemite in the Winter is the sense of solace that you get in the Yosemite Valley. A place that normally throngs with crowds on every accessible trail in the summer takes on the appearance of a deserted ghost town (except for a few spots).<br />
<br />
And in that stillness, one can slow down and catch the gentle embrace of solitude, from the meadows void of people to the still river that forgot its voice the previous fall. And in that stillness, a photographer can conjure up images that are possible only because of it, of mirror-like reflections and of soft smooth lines of unbroken snow.<br />
<br />
This is one such winter image from the shores of a rather still Merced River in Yosemite Valley.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>Sun, 21 Dec 2014 23:19:43 -08002013-02-24T08:19:53-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15890227908Solitude at Merced River<p>One of the pleasures of exploring Yosemite in the Winter is the sense of solace that you get in the Yosemite Valley. A place that normally throngs with crowds on every accessible trail in the summer takes on the appearance of a deserted ghost town (except for a few spots).<br />
<br />
And in that stillness, one can slow down and catch the gentle embrace of solitude, from the meadows void of people to the still river that forgot its voice the previous fall. And in that stillness, a photographer can conjure up images that are possible only because of it, of mirror-like reflections and of soft smooth lines of unbroken snow.<br />
<br />
This is one such winter image from the shores of a rather still Merced River in Yosemite Valley.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca winter usa reflections yosemite yosemitenationalpark sierranevada nationalparks hdr yosemitevalley mercedriver sony2470mmf28cz sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enThe Greens of East Bayhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16046998982/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/16046998982/" title="The Greens of East Bay"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16046998982_47ca662e91_m.jpg" width="240" height="135" alt="The Greens of East Bay" /></a></p>
<p>Spring is coming. And the hills of East Bay in California have heralded the call of spring by turning over their brown coat and switching over to a brand new green one.<br />
And I can't wait to get back out there once again, hiking amongst forlorn trails, oak trees bursting with new leaves, colorful wildflowers dotting the ungrazed areas all while surrounded by a shimmering green that characterizes this area in spring.<br />
<br />
I got this particular image while hiking on a trail in the remote hills of Round Valley regional preserve. As I crested the hill , the entire range with its winding trails peppered with oak trees came into view. It was a scene with so many shades of green that I fell in love with that place.<br />
<br />
I hope to go back there this spring, with the hills starting to turn green once again!<br />
<br />
Round Valley Regional Preserve<br />
CA USA</p>Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:33:35 -08002009-04-26T17:55:16-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/16046998982The Greens of East Bay<p>Spring is coming. And the hills of East Bay in California have heralded the call of spring by turning over their brown coat and switching over to a brand new green one.<br />
And I can't wait to get back out there once again, hiking amongst forlorn trails, oak trees bursting with new leaves, colorful wildflowers dotting the ungrazed areas all while surrounded by a shimmering green that characterizes this area in spring.<br />
<br />
I got this particular image while hiking on a trail in the remote hills of Round Valley regional preserve. As I crested the hill , the entire range with its winding trails peppered with oak trees came into view. It was a scene with so many shades of green that I fell in love with that place.<br />
<br />
I hope to go back there this spring, with the hills starting to turn green once again!<br />
<br />
Round Valley Regional Preserve<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca usa spring hiking eastbayparks roundvalleyregionalpreserve sonydslra700 sony70300mmf4556ghttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enIn the middle of nowherehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15847570499/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15847570499/" title="In the middle of nowhere"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8641/15847570499_73dab4a6af_m.jpg" width="240" height="159" alt="In the middle of nowhere" /></a></p>
<p>Miles and miles of endless blue ocean, warm winds and blue skies peppered with white clouds.<br />
That is what I imagined my visit to Dry Tortugas National Park would be like.<br />
<br />
Instead, the day started out as a cold day where standing outside would be akin to signing a deathwish and where the water was so choppy that consuming any food would resulting in the body rejecting any intake violently. The grey clouds kept company for the better part of the day and my camera shied away from the (lack of) light.<br />
<br />
With no opportunity for a second trip, I carried on, hoping the condition would take a turn for the better. <br />
<br />
And it did, but not until I got there. The clouds quickly parted and the murky ocean waters took on an azure blue shade. And suddenly, out in the horizon, a small black speck appeared, growing larger by the minute. It was the ramparts of the Fort Jefferson, seemingly out of place amidst the blue skies and the even blue'er waters!<br />
<br />
Dry Tortugas National Park<br />
FL USA</p>Mon, 15 Dec 2014 22:36:28 -08002013-01-13T13:51:36-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15847570499In the middle of nowhere<p>Miles and miles of endless blue ocean, warm winds and blue skies peppered with white clouds.<br />
That is what I imagined my visit to Dry Tortugas National Park would be like.<br />
<br />
Instead, the day started out as a cold day where standing outside would be akin to signing a deathwish and where the water was so choppy that consuming any food would resulting in the body rejecting any intake violently. The grey clouds kept company for the better part of the day and my camera shied away from the (lack of) light.<br />
<br />
With no opportunity for a second trip, I carried on, hoping the condition would take a turn for the better. <br />
<br />
And it did, but not until I got there. The clouds quickly parted and the murky ocean waters took on an azure blue shade. And suddenly, out in the horizon, a small black speck appeared, growing larger by the minute. It was the ramparts of the Fort Jefferson, seemingly out of place amidst the blue skies and the even blue'er waters!<br />
<br />
Dry Tortugas National Park<br />
FL USA</p>satospheregulfofmexico florida fort nationalparks floridakeys fortjefferson drytortugasnationalpark yankeefreedom sony2470mmf28cz sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enWelcoming the rainhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15830186990/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15830186990/" title="Welcoming the rain"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8611/15830186990_459353d521_m.jpg" width="165" height="240" alt="Welcoming the rain" /></a></p>
<p>It is still early December in the Bay Area and at this time of the year, the rolling hills all around normally lay brown waiting for spring to arrive before turning green. But with the strong drought the last few years, the grass had been so parched that even with the first hints of winter rain, they discarded their brown coats and put on fresh green ones, achieving a magical transformation in a matter of three weeks.<br />
<br />
But it was not only the hills that came alive with the sound of rain. The waterfalls and creeks of the peninsular hills that depend exclusively on rain-water, had become a dry sad shadow of their former selves, but the winter rains breathed in new life into them as well.<br />
<br />
Seeking to capture this new life, I treaded my way into Uvas Canyon County Park, a nondescript park tucked away in the Santa Cruz mountains. But with the rains, the creeks in the park burst with vigor, flowing over mossy rocks and old tree stumps, cascading over black rock and leaf-littered creek beds.<br />
<br />
I spend a wonderful afternoon capturing in this minutiae, including this gem, the Blackrock Falls<br />
<br />
Uvas Canyon County Park<br />
CA USA</p>Sun, 14 Dec 2014 00:08:13 -08002014-12-13T12:35:17-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15830186990Welcoming the rain<p>It is still early December in the Bay Area and at this time of the year, the rolling hills all around normally lay brown waiting for spring to arrive before turning green. But with the strong drought the last few years, the grass had been so parched that even with the first hints of winter rain, they discarded their brown coats and put on fresh green ones, achieving a magical transformation in a matter of three weeks.<br />
<br />
But it was not only the hills that came alive with the sound of rain. The waterfalls and creeks of the peninsular hills that depend exclusively on rain-water, had become a dry sad shadow of their former selves, but the winter rains breathed in new life into them as well.<br />
<br />
Seeking to capture this new life, I treaded my way into Uvas Canyon County Park, a nondescript park tucked away in the Santa Cruz mountains. But with the rains, the creeks in the park burst with vigor, flowing over mossy rocks and old tree stumps, cascading over black rock and leaf-littered creek beds.<br />
<br />
I spend a wonderful afternoon capturing in this minutiae, including this gem, the Blackrock Falls<br />
<br />
Uvas Canyon County Park<br />
CA USA</p>satosphereca longexposure usa waterfalls uvascanyon uvascanyoncountypark blackrockfalls sony1635mmf28 sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enOn the road to sunlighthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15802476959/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15802476959/" title="On the road to sunlight"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8618/15802476959_e5852d2c53_m.jpg" width="166" height="240" alt="On the road to sunlight" /></a></p>
<p>On the road to sunlight<br />
<br />
On an crisp winter morning, I made my way up to the hills of the Bay Area seeking sunlight. It was a cold and short day and I was ready to soak in as much light I could. <br />
<br />
As I drove towards the trailhead for a morning hike, the fog cleared up slowly and the sunlight started beaming through. Filtering through the trees lining the road, those shafts of sunlight hit the road forming a very mesmerizing scene.<br />
<br />
I couldn't resist taking my camera out to capture the scene changing so quickly right in front of me. A few minutes after I shot this, the fog lifted and those beams had completely disappeared. Such is the ephemerality of the coastal fog.<br />
<br />
Castle Rock State Park<br />
CA USA</p>Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:57:14 -08002009-01-03T09:43:31-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15802476959On the road to sunlight<p>On the road to sunlight<br />
<br />
On an crisp winter morning, I made my way up to the hills of the Bay Area seeking sunlight. It was a cold and short day and I was ready to soak in as much light I could. <br />
<br />
As I drove towards the trailhead for a morning hike, the fog cleared up slowly and the sunlight started beaming through. Filtering through the trees lining the road, those shafts of sunlight hit the road forming a very mesmerizing scene.<br />
<br />
I couldn't resist taking my camera out to capture the scene changing so quickly right in front of me. A few minutes after I shot this, the fog lifted and those beams had completely disappeared. Such is the ephemerality of the coastal fog.<br />
<br />
Castle Rock State Park<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca morning usa hiking sony dslr crepuscularrays a100 castlerock castlerockstatepark tamron1750mmf28https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enAhwahnee in a stormhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15964839532/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15964839532/" title="Ahwahnee in a storm"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8619/15964839532_355be96cc4_m.jpg" width="240" height="153" alt="Ahwahnee in a storm" /></a></p>
<p>With promise of a wet and snowy winter out in California, my previously dashed hopes of seeing a white winter had been renewed again. And I once again started hoping for a white-out like the one a few years ago when I made my way to Yosemite National Park on Christmas day. I had been hoping to catch some pristine snow and white-out conditions in the park, but instead I was met with week-old snow and icy roads. Not quite what I had expected.<br />
<br />
But conditions quickly turned for the worse (or the better). A developing storm started dumping fresh, albeit wet snow out onto the sparsely crowded valley floor. And after a few minutes of shooting, I too headed for the warmth of the cozy Ahwahnee.<br />
<br />
Once inside, I looked eagerly at the falling snow, covering everything with a thick layer of white. So tempted was I with the falling snow that I decided to insulate my camera gear and get up from cozy sofa into the freezing weather to capture the falling snow.<br />
<br />
A few years outside the stone walls of the hotel, I came across a tree whose arched branch gracefully framed the grey and brown facade of the hotel.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>Sun, 07 Dec 2014 01:25:32 -08002012-12-25T16:02:56-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15964839532Ahwahnee in a storm<p>With promise of a wet and snowy winter out in California, my previously dashed hopes of seeing a white winter had been renewed again. And I once again started hoping for a white-out like the one a few years ago when I made my way to Yosemite National Park on Christmas day. I had been hoping to catch some pristine snow and white-out conditions in the park, but instead I was met with week-old snow and icy roads. Not quite what I had expected.<br />
<br />
But conditions quickly turned for the worse (or the better). A developing storm started dumping fresh, albeit wet snow out onto the sparsely crowded valley floor. And after a few minutes of shooting, I too headed for the warmth of the cozy Ahwahnee.<br />
<br />
Once inside, I looked eagerly at the falling snow, covering everything with a thick layer of white. So tempted was I with the falling snow that I decided to insulate my camera gear and get up from cozy sofa into the freezing weather to capture the falling snow.<br />
<br />
A few years outside the stone walls of the hotel, I came across a tree whose arched branch gracefully framed the grey and brown facade of the hotel.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca winter blackandwhite usa yosemite yosemitenationalpark sierranevada nationalparks yosemitevalley ahwanee sony1635mmf28 sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enBlue and Goldhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15917036326/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15917036326/" title="Blue and Gold"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15917036326_4b2d86a7ac_m.jpg" width="240" height="116" alt="Blue and Gold" /></a></p>
<p>As we descended down the bumpy gravel road to Mono Lake on a late summer evening a couple of years ago, I realized that the sky wasn't going to do anything spectacular tonight. There was not going to be any pinks and purples in any mystical cloud formations or the deep reds on a disappearing thunrderstorm. But what we were going to get was a very placid lake surface thanks to the absolute lack of any wind.<br />
<br />
As the sun set and the sky ran through various shades of blue, yellow and orange, the water took on the same hues as well. And I was left wondering what else I could do to add a bit of color to the rather monotone scene I was witnessing in front of me. So I strapped on the blue-n-gold polarizer to enhance the colors I felt.<br />
<br />
That resulted in this famous scene of the tufa formation known as the Temple.<br />
<br />
Mono Lake<br />
CA USA</p>Wed, 03 Dec 2014 20:47:37 -08002012-07-07T20:19:10-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15917036326Blue and Gold<p>As we descended down the bumpy gravel road to Mono Lake on a late summer evening a couple of years ago, I realized that the sky wasn't going to do anything spectacular tonight. There was not going to be any pinks and purples in any mystical cloud formations or the deep reds on a disappearing thunrderstorm. But what we were going to get was a very placid lake surface thanks to the absolute lack of any wind.<br />
<br />
As the sun set and the sky ran through various shades of blue, yellow and orange, the water took on the same hues as well. And I was left wondering what else I could do to add a bit of color to the rather monotone scene I was witnessing in front of me. So I strapped on the blue-n-gold polarizer to enhance the colors I felt.<br />
<br />
That resulted in this famous scene of the tufa formation known as the Temple.<br />
<br />
Mono Lake<br />
CA USA</p>satosphereca sunset usa monolake tufa hdr easternsierra tufatowers sigma1020mmf456 sonydslra700 singhraygoldnbluepolarizerhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enNature's Palettehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15918803491/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15918803491/" title="Nature's Palette"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7501/15918803491_776e0a12ab_m.jpg" width="240" height="116" alt="Nature's Palette" /></a></p>
<p>Rows and rows of multi-colored tulips with hues so varied that it boggled my mind to even think of the sheer varieties there. <br />
That was my experience at the Skagit Tulip festival in the state of Washington. I walked around for hours analyzing the various hues and colors of the tulips. I can only begin to imagine the years of effort selectively breeding those flowers to get the desired colors and shades. It was a small window into what nature's palette could be.<br />
<br />
Here is one such composition of the long lines of tulips, sans humans, blooming under the spring sun of Washington.<br />
<br />
Skagit<br />
WA USA</p>Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:17:14 -08002012-04-21T09:32:23-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15918803491Nature's Palette<p>Rows and rows of multi-colored tulips with hues so varied that it boggled my mind to even think of the sheer varieties there. <br />
That was my experience at the Skagit Tulip festival in the state of Washington. I walked around for hours analyzing the various hues and colors of the tulips. I can only begin to imagine the years of effort selectively breeding those flowers to get the desired colors and shades. It was a small window into what nature's palette could be.<br />
<br />
Here is one such composition of the long lines of tulips, sans humans, blooming under the spring sun of Washington.<br />
<br />
Skagit<br />
WA USA</p>satosphereflowers washington skagit skagitvalley tulipfestival tuliptown sigma1020mmf456 sonydslra700https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enBack to Fridayhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15901156672/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15901156672/" title="Back to Friday"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8641/15901156672_7c2862de5f_m.jpg" width="240" height="113" alt="Back to Friday" /></a></p>
<p>The infamous day known to many as the stampede day to partake in the great American Tradition of consumerism, where will-power and care for other fellow shoppers gets thrown to the wayside in search of the best deals. It was the day where shops started opening up early in the mornings to (un)welcome throngs of shoppers so much that they started opening earlier and earlier and pretty soon, they started opening the previous day.<br />
<br />
For me however, Friday brings back memories of another place and another time, more specifically, March 4th, 2011, when I was hiking up the steep trails in the middle of the Patagonian Andes to capture a glimpse of the granite ramparts of the famous Cerro Fitz Roy, Massively glaciated, its towering stupas rise high above the shores of Laguna de los Tros reaching up into the clouds and often forming its own weather system. The 14km hike to its base was nothing if not spectacular, an amalgamation of beautiful alpine lakes, vast open meadows and reflective tarns, and of jaw-dropping views and inspiring vistas. All of it make it a Friday to remember!<br />
<br />
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares<br />
Santa Cruz Province Argentina</p>Fri, 28 Nov 2014 17:21:05 -08002011-03-04T09:06:19-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15901156672Back to Friday<p>The infamous day known to many as the stampede day to partake in the great American Tradition of consumerism, where will-power and care for other fellow shoppers gets thrown to the wayside in search of the best deals. It was the day where shops started opening up early in the mornings to (un)welcome throngs of shoppers so much that they started opening earlier and earlier and pretty soon, they started opening the previous day.<br />
<br />
For me however, Friday brings back memories of another place and another time, more specifically, March 4th, 2011, when I was hiking up the steep trails in the middle of the Patagonian Andes to capture a glimpse of the granite ramparts of the famous Cerro Fitz Roy, Massively glaciated, its towering stupas rise high above the shores of Laguna de los Tros reaching up into the clouds and often forming its own weather system. The 14km hike to its base was nothing if not spectacular, an amalgamation of beautiful alpine lakes, vast open meadows and reflective tarns, and of jaw-dropping views and inspiring vistas. All of it make it a Friday to remember!<br />
<br />
Parque Nacional Los Glaciares<br />
Santa Cruz Province Argentina</p>satosphereca panorama usa santacruz southamerica argentina nationalparks elchalten mtfitzroy lagunadelostres parquenacionallosglaciares sonydslra700 sony70300mmf4556ghttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enOur Place in the Universehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15708135918/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15708135918/" title="Our Place in the Universe"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7539/15708135918_149e5e7cf7_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Our Place in the Universe" /></a></p>
<p>There are many things that we can be thankful for: family, friends, a good home, a good job, and the joy that comes about from living. And yet, the biggest thing that we can be thankful for is our place in the universe, a planet that evolved at the right place at the right time to be able to harbor our lives.<br />
<br />
Whenever I head out to photograph the night sky, I get reminded of this. Seeing the millions of twinkling lights in the sky, I often wonder if any of those million stars held life-harboring planets, and how long it would take to move from one star system to another across the immense blackness of space to make contact with such life. And yet, when I glimpse at the sky, that feeling of being on a small mote of dust in a vast region of empty space just overwhelms me.<br />
<br />
Will we ever find life outside our planet in our lifetime? <br />
Perhaps. <br />
Until then, I am thankful for the special place we enjoy in the Universe.<br />
<br />
Ansel Adams Wilderness<br />
CA USA</p>Thu, 27 Nov 2014 19:46:28 -08002013-09-08T20:18:06-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15708135918Our Place in the Universe<p>There are many things that we can be thankful for: family, friends, a good home, a good job, and the joy that comes about from living. And yet, the biggest thing that we can be thankful for is our place in the universe, a planet that evolved at the right place at the right time to be able to harbor our lives.<br />
<br />
Whenever I head out to photograph the night sky, I get reminded of this. Seeing the millions of twinkling lights in the sky, I often wonder if any of those million stars held life-harboring planets, and how long it would take to move from one star system to another across the immense blackness of space to make contact with such life. And yet, when I glimpse at the sky, that feeling of being on a small mote of dust in a vast region of empty space just overwhelms me.<br />
<br />
Will we ever find life outside our planet in our lifetime? <br />
Perhaps. <br />
Until then, I am thankful for the special place we enjoy in the Universe.<br />
<br />
Ansel Adams Wilderness<br />
CA USA</p>satosphereca longexposure usa mountains nightshot hiking backpacking sierranevada milkyway easternsierra bigpine johnmuirwilderness bigpinenorthfork sony1635mmf28 sonydslta99https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.enStorm and Last Lighthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15701682940/
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/sathishcj/">satosphere</a> posted a photo:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sathishcj/15701682940/" title="Storm and Last Light"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8645/15701682940_23949ec2c7_m.jpg" width="240" height="82" alt="Storm and Last Light" /></a></p>
<p>As I climbed higher up the trail from May lake in Yosemite National Park, the spine of High Sierras came into view: tall granite vegetation-less peaks rising up from a green carpet like long-worn battle scars, a remnant of a glacial era.<br />
The tip of these High Sierra peaks were just catching the last light of the sun as they came into view. But it was the huge storm cell formation beyond the mountain range that caught my eye. I could already see the bellowing funnel shaped cloud rising up and in a couple of hours, it would attain full ferocity and would light up the night sky with periodic flashes for hours.<br />
<br />
I was hoping that it wouldn't make its way above us, and thankfully it didn't - it would have spoilt the one night of night photography I had come here for. Nevertheless, the enormity of the cloud formation juxtaposed with the illusory smooth slopes of the Sierra range provided quite a contrast, and a great opportunity for a panorama.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>Wed, 26 Nov 2014 21:52:51 -08002012-07-14T20:01:03-08:00nobody@flickr.com (satosphere)tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/15701682940Storm and Last Light<p>As I climbed higher up the trail from May lake in Yosemite National Park, the spine of High Sierras came into view: tall granite vegetation-less peaks rising up from a green carpet like long-worn battle scars, a remnant of a glacial era.<br />
The tip of these High Sierra peaks were just catching the last light of the sun as they came into view. But it was the huge storm cell formation beyond the mountain range that caught my eye. I could already see the bellowing funnel shaped cloud rising up and in a couple of hours, it would attain full ferocity and would light up the night sky with periodic flashes for hours.<br />
<br />
I was hoping that it wouldn't make its way above us, and thankfully it didn't - it would have spoilt the one night of night photography I had come here for. Nevertheless, the enormity of the cloud formation juxtaposed with the illusory smooth slopes of the Sierra range provided quite a contrast, and a great opportunity for a panorama.<br />
<br />
Yosemite National Park<br />
CA USA</p>satospherecalifornia ca sunset panorama usa meetup hiking backpacking yosemite yosemitenationalpark sierranevada nationalparks alpenglow maylake mthoffman sonydslra700 sony70300mmf4556g bayareanightphotographyhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en